Dynamic Compression Therapy via Hydrostatic Pressure Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current compression therapy systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust pressure based on a patient's internal hydrostatic pressure and positional changes, which can affect the efficacy of treatments for conditions like deep vein thrombosis and chronic venous insufficiency.
Innovation Solution
The system employs sensors such as accelerometers and magnetometers to estimate internal hydrostatic pressure and adjust compression therapy pressure profiles in real-time based on the patient's posture and movement, using algorithms to optimize pressure settings for various positions and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression therapy pressure is increased to improve venous emptying effectiveness, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but risk of complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression therapy system dynamically adjusts pressure levels based on real-time sensor feedback about patient position and movement. The system transitions from static pressure application to dynamic pressure modulation, automatically increasing or decreasing pressure according to the patient's current state to maintain optimal therapeutic effectiveness while preventing complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor patient position, movement, and physiological parameters, feeding this information back to the pressure control system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic pressure adjustment to match patient needs, ensuring effective venous emptying while avoiding excessive pressure that could cause complications.
2Reliability
If compression therapy is adjusted to account for positional changes, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides compression therapy, monitors patient position and movement via sensors, processes sensor data to determine patient state, and automatically adjusts pressure accordingly. By integrating these functions into a single system, the patent reduces overall complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines patient position and movement from sensor data and self-adjusts compression pressure without requiring external intervention or complex manual controls. The embedded processing unit executes algorithms that translate sensor readings into pressure adjustments, enabling the system to serve itself and reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If real-time pressure adjustment is implemented based on sensor data, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous pressure adjustment, the system employs periodic sensing and adjustment cycles. The processing unit evaluates sensor data at intervals and adjusts pressure in discrete steps rather than continuously, reducing computational load and energy consumption while maintaining effective therapy through timely pressure modifications based on patient state changes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the therapeutic effectiveness by ensuring optimal pressure application during different activities and postures, improving venous emptying and reducing the risk of complications like deep vein thrombosis and chronic venous insufficiency.
Implementation Method 1
sensors for sensing position or posture including ambulation and/or changes in position or posture including ambulation of a patient's limb and/or torso
Implementation Method 2
sensors for sensing position or posture including ambulation and/or changes in position or posture including ambulation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C
AI summary
Patient therapy and patient condition sensing devices and methods can be operated as a function of estimated internal hydrostatic pressure of a body part, for example at a position where a pressure or compression therapy is applied. Information relating to a patient's position, posture, ambulation and/or a physiological condition such as blood pressure can be used to control pressure or compression therapy.